PRESS CONFERENCE OF PENANG INTERNATIONAL GREEN CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION 2024 (PGIGCE 2024)

SPEECH BY YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW
THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG CUM
CHAIRMAN OF PENANG GREEN COUNCIL
PRESS CONFERENCE OF PENANG INTERNATIONAL GREEN CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION 2024
(PGIGCE 2024)
24TH JUNE 2024 | KOMTAR

YB. Dato' Seri Sundarajoo A/L Somu
EXCO for Housing and Environment

Mr. Baylon Tham Wai Leong
Organising Chairman of PGIGCE 2024

Ms Josephine Tan
General Manager of Penang Green Council

Co-organisers of PGIGCE 2024:

Dato' Ir. Rajendran A/L P. Anthony
Mayor of Penang City Council (MBPP)

Majlis Bandaraya Seberang Perai (MBSP)

Dato' Ar Loh Chiak Eong
Persatuan Arkitek Malaysia (PAM)

Ir. Chan Wah Cheong
Institute of Engineers Malaysia (IEM)

Penang Green Council Board of Directors

Sponsors and partners

Head of Departments and Officers

Media friends

Ladies and gentlemen

Salam Sejahtera dan Salam Malaysia Madani.

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the Penang International Green Conference and Exhibition (PGIGCE) press conference, where sustainability meets opportunity.

In our rapidly changing world, the need to address environmental challenges has never been more pressing. Since 2011, the Penang Green Council, as a state government agency, has been taking up the role as the forefront organisations in leading and organising sustainability events. On our journey to organizing PGIGCE 2024, which began in 2021, PGC has actively engaged industry players through the Green Industry Program. This initiative has included a series of impactful events: The Penang Green Finance 2021, PGC ESG Workshop 2022, Penang ESG Conference and Exhibition 2023, and the ongoing ESG Capacity Buildings in 2024, with the first session scheduled for 18th July 2024, in collaboration with Ernst & Young (EY). This mega event is more than just a conference; it is a platform dedicated to advancing sustainability and driving positive change worldwide. PGIGCE is bringing together key stakeholders, thought leaders, and visionaries from all across the globe to explore groundbreaking solutions and strategies in four crucial areas: Green Tech, Green Finance, Capacity Building, and Net Zero initiatives.

Ladies and gentlemen,

In today’s climate, it is imperative that all businesses and corporations recognize the importance of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and work collectively towards a common goal. Adopting ESG principles proves favourable for both investors and customers due to their perceived social and environmental responsibility. Consequently, this allows companies to become more competitive in the market and improve their prospects for long-term financial growth. Malaysia has taken significant strides to promote ESG and sustainable development through various policies and initiatives. As governments and regulators increasingly implement policies that promote sustainability, SMEs must adapt to these requirements to ensure their long-term sustainability and continuity. However, SMEs still need support and guidance from both the government and the private sectors.

To this end, the Penang Green Council collaborated with Invest Penang to organise the ESG Lab Focus Group Discussion on Implementing ESG Requirements and Reporting last month. This focus group discussion, attended by Penang public-listed companies, covered various aspect of ESG practices, the challenges they face in meeting Bursa Malaysia’s reporting requirements, and the support needed from the Penang State Government. This is a stepping stone for our SMEs in Penang to incorporate ESG in their nature of business.

As we move towards a more sustainable and resilient future, PGIGCE offers an unparalleled platform for learning, networking, and growth. I encourage all of you to actively in the panel discussions, workshops, and presentations, to stay abreast of the latest developments in your industry and gain valuable insights into emerging opportunities and challenges. This knowledge can help you make informed decisions, adapt your strategies, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

With that, I officially invite you to join us in shaping a greener, more prosperous world. Whether as an event sponsor, partner, exhibitor, or participant, your involvement is crucial in driving positive change. Together, let us harness the power of innovation, collaboration, and collective action to build a brighter tomorrow for generations to come.

Thank you for being here, and let us embark on this transformative journey together.